Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Nonkululeko Njilo
Published on 2024-03-14 20:17:10
With just over two months left until the general elections in South Africa, it is becoming increasingly likely that a coalition government will be formed. However, the track record of coalitions in various metros suggests that they often prioritize political agendas over the needs of communities and service delivery.
In light of this, South Africans are being urged to move beyond merely voting every five years and then complaining about government failures from the sidelines. Instead, citizens are encouraged to actively engage in democratic processes to ensure better governance in the country.
This sentiment was echoed by speakers at the Daily Maverick’s flagship event, The Gathering, which took place on March 14, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Dr. Rekgotsofetse Chikane emphasized the importance of avoiding the reliance on a “savior” figure to fix the country’s issues, urging individuals to take responsibility for the collective wellbeing of the nation.
During a panel discussion on coalitions, Dr. Chikane, alongside Professor William Gumede, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, and Lindiwe Mazibuko, highlighted the lack of ordinary citizen involvement in democratic processes beyond voting. They emphasized the need for grassroots participation in initiatives such as Integrated Development Plans, community policing forums, and budgetary oversight processes to improve governance at the local level.
While there have been calls to impose thresholds for coalition leadership, the panelists stressed the importance of professionalizing the public service, promoting good leadership, and enhancing civic education to enhance governance quality. They also proposed extending the time frame for forming a government after elections from 14 days to 30 days to allow for more inclusive decision-making processes.
Coalitions in some municipalities have been marred by internal power struggles, leading to instability and hindering service delivery. For instance, the City of Ekurhuleni lost its clean audit status due to governance issues stemming from disputes between the leading coalition parties, the ANC, and the EFF. This political infighting has left residents facing the brunt of the consequences.
Despite the challenges, coalitions have historically been successful in Africa, with Mauritius and Cape Verde serving as examples of prosperous countries governed by coalitions. The speakers emphasized the need for active citizen engagement to ensure that coalitions are effective and accountable to the needs of the people.
In conclusion, the call for increased citizen participation in democratic processes is crucial to building a more responsive and effective governance system in South Africa. By moving beyond periodic voting and embracing a culture of active citizenship, individuals can contribute to shaping a better future for their communities and the nation as a whole.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
